The Year They Called Off the World Series: A True Story

by Benton Stark

This thoroughly researched, superbly written and illustrated book offers a detailed account of the fateful 1904 Series that was called off by a group of self-centered, driven men whose motives were purely personal. 20 photographs.

Genres: Baseball, Nonfiction

236 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1991

Reviews

[Mike]

A friend and I recently used the APBA board game to play a “what if” 1904 World Series matchup between the NL champion New York Giants and the AL champion Boston Americans (aka Pilgrims). We termed it “what if” because no World Series was played in 1904. This book, published in 1991, is the only one I could find that explained why. It is a well-researched, well-written review of the 1904 season and the machinations that resulted in no World Series being played. The book focuses on three teams—the two noted above and the New York Highlanders. The Highlanders were in the AL pennant race all season and provided a chance for an all-New York World Series.

I highly recommend this book to readers specifically interested in the Deadball era. It is also a great read for the casual baseball fan as well. It’s out of print so check the secondary market.

[Jay French]

Well, kinda. The World Series then wasn't like it is now, it wasn't established yet. And a few baseball men decided to not have the series for, to them, good reasons, generally concerning finances and historic team legacy, and also generally to punish the renegade league and top team. Not all that well written - a little long in parts, but an interesting story.

[Ronald]

of course the title would now say One of the Years, thanks to 100 years later no Series; read some time in 1995